Where to cash PA UC checks without a bank account? Need options ASAP
Just got approved for unemployment last week and my first check is coming soon but I don't have a regular bank account. Lost my bank account during my layoff (couldn't keep minimum balance). Where are you guys cashing your PA UC checks? Do check cashing places take them? Walmart? Grocery stores? How much do they charge in fees? Not trying to lose a big chunk of my benefits just to get my money!
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Edwards Hugo
I was in the same boat last year. Most check cashing places will take UC checks but they charge like 2-3% which adds up FAST. Walmart was cheaper for me - like $4 for checks under $1000. Some grocery stores cash them too. Giant Eagle cashed mine for a small fee.
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Dylan Fisher
•Thanks for the info. $4 at Walmart sounds way better than losing 3% at those check cashing places. Do you know if I need to wait for the check to "clear" or can I get the cash right away?
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Gianna Scott
Have you considered getting the PA ReliaCard? It's the debit card option for receiving UC benefits instead of paper checks. You don't need a bank account, and you can withdraw cash at ATMs (though there might be fees depending on which ATM you use). You can also use it like a regular debit card at stores. Much easier than dealing with check cashing every two weeks.
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Alfredo Lugo
•ReliaCard is now Money Network! They switched last year. Same idea tho - direct deposit to card instead of checks. Way better option!
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Sydney Torres
money network card is THE BEST!!!!! i dont have bank either and this works great!! u can get cash at atm or buy stuff anywhere they take visa, no checks to cash EVER!!
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Dylan Fisher
•I didn't know about this option! How do I switch from checks to the Money Network card? Do I need to call the UC office or can I do it online?
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
You should be able to change your payment method in your UC dashboard online. Go to your account, look for payment options or method of payment, and select the Money Network card option. It's much better than paper checks. If you can't find it online, you'll need to call the UC service center, but good luck with that - it's nearly impossible to get through most days. I spent 3 weeks trying to reach someone about my open issue.
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Caleb Bell
•If you're having trouble getting through to PA UC on the phone, I highly recommend using Claimyr. It's a service that connects you directly to a UC representative, usually within 5-10 minutes. I was skeptical at first, but it saved me hours of busy signals and hold times when I needed to switch my payment method. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 or check out claimyr.com. Way better than spending all day hitting redial.
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Alfredo Lugo
Another option is opening an account at a credit union. Many have no minimum balance requirements and lower fees than big banks. Some even specifically help people rebuild banking history if you've had issues in the past. Way better long-term than check cashing!
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Danielle Campbell
•my cousin tried to open a credit union account but they still ran his ChexSystems report and denied him cos of his old overdrafts. not all of them are easier than regular banks just fyi
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Edwards Hugo
Also consider looking into online banking options like Chime or Current. They usually don't require minimum balances and often have no monthly fees. They work great with direct deposit for UC benefits. Most have mobile check deposit too if you need to deposit a paper check occasionally.
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Dylan Fisher
•I think I'm going to try switching to the Money Network card first since that seems simplest, and then look into the online banking options as a backup. Thanks everybody for all the great advice!
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Gianna Scott
Just a heads-up about the Money Network card - make sure you understand all the fees. There are fees for certain ATMs, balance inquiries, and inactivity. The card itself is free and there's no fee for purchases, but it's good to know where you can withdraw cash without fees. There should be documentation on the PA UC website about this.
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Sydney Torres
i wish theyd just let us use paypal or venmo or cashapp for UC payments! would be SO much easier than all this paper check and card stuff! anyway DONT use those payday loan check cashing places they are HUGE ripoffs!!!
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Unfortunately, the UC system is still pretty old-school with their payment methods. I agree that more modern payment options would be helpful, but government systems take forever to update. The Money Network card is at least a step in the right direction compared to paper checks.
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Amina Bah
If you're stuck with paper checks for now, avoid the standalone check cashing places - they'll eat up your benefits with fees. Walmart is definitely your best bet at $4 per check. Some Kroger stores also cash government checks for around $5-7. Just bring valid ID and be prepared to wait in line at customer service. The Money Network card everyone's mentioning is absolutely worth switching to though - I made the change last year and it's been a game changer. No more rushing to cash checks before they expire!
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Michael Adams
•This is super helpful! I didn't know checks could expire - how long do I have to cash a PA UC check before it goes bad? And yeah, definitely sounds like the Money Network card is the way to go long term. Thanks for the Kroger tip too, I have one closer to me than Walmart!
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